At first, selling your home may seem daunting. You haven't sold a home before and the real estate market looks complex. You know that what you experienced when buying a home 20 years ago is inappropriate today.
So what should you do, and what can you expect? Here's a short and simplified list to get you started.
1. Don't Be Intimidated. You Can Do It. Approximately 5 million existing homes were sold last year. Other owners have done it and so can you. A good real estate agent will make the experience as stress-free as possible for you and your family.
2. Times Have Changed. Today's real estate marketplace is radically different when compared with 10-20 years ago. Purchasers now use the Internet to eliminate homes based on the information and photos, so it is very important that your home is represented in its best possible light on the internet. Sellers are required to disclose issues with the home's functionality and safety, and the list of items included on disclosure forms continues to increase. Almost all buyers get home inspections, and are represented by buyer agents. The result is that buyers are much better prepared and knowledgeable than in the past.
3. Sparkle And Shine. Imagine going to a supermarket and seeing dusty fruit or aisles filled with old shelving and cans. It doesn't happen because the grocery store knows how to present its goods. Sellers must do the same. Get rid of things you don't need, organize closets and storage areas, and clean, clean, clean . . . everywhere.
4. Mechanics Count. Buyers expect everything to work. Most buyers will make their offer contingent on a satisfactory home inspection, so what buyers may miss, home inspectors will catch. Fix things now and they won't be an issue later.
5. Set the stage. Buyers need to envision themselves living in your home. De-clutter and pack away knick knacks and family photos that will distract them from their dreams. Present your home as clean, freshly painted, organized, decluttered and attractive . . . a home where the only issue is when to move in.
6. Know the market. Real estate is local. Your real estate agent can explain current market trends in your community, including what's selling, what isn't selling, and why. This information is critical to selecting the best listing price to get your home sold for the optimal price and terms.
7. Know the competition. Your property will be competing with other homes for buyer attention. Your home needs to stand out as the best choice among all the other available homes. Ask your real estate agent how to give your home a competitive edge.
8. Be realistic. Markets differ by location and time. When interest rates are low and the local job base is growing, it's great to be a seller. But when times are slack and mortgage rates are rising, homes also sell. The key is to be realistic and do the things necessary to get as much as market conditions will allow.
9. Have a plan. Real estate marketing involves far more than a sign in the yard and posting in the multiple listing service. Successful real estate agents use a variety of methods to attract and qualify potential buyers, including marketing your home to other real estate agents and using the latest online and communication tools to maximize your home's exposure to potential buyers.
10. Contact us to receive a personalized market analysis. After viewing your home and property, we can advice you what should be done to get your home ready for a sale, how to maximize your opportunities, and what your home will likely sell for in today's local real estate landscape. We're in the business of selling homes, and we have the tools, resources, knowledge and experience to help you achieve your unique goals.
All information is believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified with a real estate professional. CENTURY 21 Lakeside Realty Is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® Equal Housing Opportunity.